Shaker Dams Undergoing Construction

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — Upper and Lower Shaker Lake are set for a $4.1 million updating. The dams at both sites, originally built in the 1800s, will be updated to prevent failure.

The project is being put together by the cities of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.

Construction should last between 18 and 22 months, the city of Cleveland Heights said in an email. The walkway along Horseshoe Lake dam and the spillway will be closed throughout the project. After the construction is finished, the walkway will be re-opened.

"Residents will have continuous access along the project route and will be notified at least 48 hours in advance should there be any traffic pattern changes," Cleveland Heights said.

The dams were originally built by the Shaker community at Doan Brook. The structures provided power for mills.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District has already invested some resources into the Doan Brook area via its Project Clean Lake. The $142.3 million Doan Valley Tunnel project, which is set to be finished in 2021, will help control overflows at 11 locations along Doan Brook, from Shaker Heights to Lake Erie, according to the NEORSD website.

Photo from Google Earth